GRAVEL BIKE TOUR: THE SERRA DO GERÊS

From €1970 per person

8 NIGHTS/9 DAYS

GRAVEL BIKE TOUR THROUG THE SERRA DO GERES: 9 DAYS OF ADVENTURE

An epic ride through the beautiful Serra do Gerês, a hidden gem for gravel bike enthusiasts. This 9-day adventure will take you off the beaten path, exploring rugged trails, winding roads and breathtaking scenery. Experience the thrill of challenging climbs, the fluidity of dynamic descents, and the tranquility of remote villages.

Discover the wild beauty of the Serra do Gerês, a paradise for gravel bike lovers.

This gravel bike tour will take you to explore the majestic Serra do Gerês, a natural paradise in northern Portugal. You’ll depart from Porto, reaching Esposende, and then head into the heart of the national park. You will travel along dirt paths and back roads, passing through lush forests, deep valleys, and picturesque villages. Admire spectacular waterfalls, lakes and breathtaking mountain views. You will overcome challenging climbs and technical descents, enjoying an adrenaline-pumping yet relaxing experience. You will visit ancient villages and cross the border to Spain, discovering the beauty of Galicia. Each day will be an opportunity to immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and discover the hidden treasures of this region.

TYPE OF TRIP: Gravel bike trip with return transfer from Porto and luggage transport, self-guided; overnight stays in guest houses or 3/4* hotels.

SUITABLE FOR: Bikers in good health, trained and with a spirit of adaptation.

LEVEL: Intermediate/Hard

RECOMMENDED PERIOD: April to December.

PRIVATE TRIP: Available every day

The price per person for this program is based on a minimum number of 2 participants.

The gravel biking trip can be arranged either for individuals or for private groups of 2 or more.

PROGRAM IN SHORT – Gravel bike tour: the serra of Geres:

1 Day – Arrival in Porto and transfer to Esposende
2 Day – Stage 1: Esposende – Ponte de Lima (approximately 50 km – elevation 400 mt)
3 Day – Stage 2: Ponte de Lima – Santa Maria (approximately 55 km – elevation 900 mt)
4 Day – Stage 3: Santa Maria – Campo de Geres (approx. 30 km – elevation 1300 mt)
5 Day – Stage 4: Campo de Geres – Lóbios (about 40 km – elevation 800 mt)
6 Day – Stage 5: Lóbios – Montalegre (about 50 km – elevation 1400 mt)
7 Day – Stage 6: Montalegre – Paradela (about 45 km – elevation 750 mt)
8 Day – Stage 7: Paradela – Geres (about 40 km – elevation 900 mt)
9 Day – Farewell day – transfer to Porto

INCLUDED:

Road book with map, route description and GPS tracks (independent option)
Transfer from Port A/R as indicated in the program
Daily transportation of personal luggage up to a maximum weight of 20 kg per participant
8 overnight stays as indicated in the program
Gravel bicycle
Assistance by qualified staff and by phone 24 hours a day with our staff in the office

NOT INCLUDED:

Flights Italy – Portugal – Italy
Meals not listed in the detailed itinerary and all beverages except tea and coffee for breakfasts included
Anything not included under “Included”
Mandatory tourist tax to be paid at each hotel

EXTRAS ON REQUEST

Single room

If you want to learn more about our cycling programs click here.

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Tour Plan

DAY 1: Arrival in Porto and transfer to Esposende

Pick up bikes and Transfer passengers, luggage and bikes from Porto to Esposende.

DAY 2: Stage 1: Esposende - Ponte de Lima (approximately 50 km - elevation 400 mt)

Leaving Esposende, we follow the Ecovia, cycling along fantastic walkways that lead us to Rio de Moinhos Beach. The coastal landscape, with its beaches and cliffs, makes for a memorable farewell to the coast. We then take a more inland route, cycling along a cobbled stretch that meandered between houses and small churches. Along the way, we can appreciate the tranquillity of the villages and the beauty of the local architecture. We return to the coast, passing the beaches. The sea breeze and the sound of the waves accompany us for much of the journey. However, the proximity to the interior gives us a new perspective. After a few stretches of the Ecovia do Litoral Norte, we say goodbye to the sea and headed inland. The long straights and the tranquillity of nature give way to a more urban route as we approach Ponte de Lima. We pass through small villages and towns, feeling the rhythm of local life. When we arrive in the historic city of Ponte de Lima, we will be welcomed by the charming and welcoming atmosphere of the historic center. Today's journey was marked by a gradual transition of landscapes, from the vibrant coastline to the tranquil interior.

Day 3: Stage 2: Ponte de Lima - Santa Maria (approximately 55 km - elevation 900 mt)

We begin our journey today from historic Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest cities in Portugal. After admiring the famous Roman bridge and historic center, we take the Ecovia do Rio Lima. This well-marked bike path will take us along the banks of the river, offering breathtaking views and a chance to observe the local flora and fauna. We leave Ponte de Lima behind and enter the surrounding countryside. The route is mostly flat, with some slightly undulating sections. Pedaling through cultivated fields, vineyards and forests, we will appreciate the tranquility of the Minhota countryside. After about 25 km, we will reach Arcos de Valdevez, another charming town with a rich historical heritage. Visit the historic center, with its granite houses and cobblestone streets, and admire the Ponte da Lima, another impressive Roman construction. Resume cycling, following the main road that connects Arcos de Valdevez to Santa Maria. The route is mostly straight, with some slight climbs and descents. Along the way, we will be able to admire the beauty of the Serra da Cabreira and its forests. After about 55 km, we will finally reach Santa Maria. This small town is famous for its thermal waters and peaceful surroundings.

Day 4: Stage 3: Santa Maria - Campo Geres (approx. 30 km - elevation 1300 mt)

This 30-kilometer bike route is a real challenge for mountain bikers, offering a thrilling experience among the breathtaking landscapes of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The elevation gain of 1300 meters requires good physical and technical preparation, but the effort will be amply rewarded by the panoramic views and the satisfaction of having conquered this peak. We begin our journey from Santa Maria, a town renowned for its thermal waters. We leave the tranquility of the town and take a paved road into the heart of the national park. The first kilometers are characterized by a slight incline and rural landscapes. As we approach the heart of the park, the gradient gradually increases. The route winds through chestnut, oak and beech forests, providing an opportunity to observe the rich biodiversity of the area. After tackling a series of switchbacks, we will finally reach the summit. From here, we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, with its mountains, lakes and villages. The descent is equally exciting, with technical and fast sections that will test our skills. After an adrenaline-pumping descent, we will finally reach Campo do Gerês, the heart of the national park. Here we will be able to relax, refresh ourselves and admire the natural beauty of this enchanted place.

Day 5: Stage 4: Campo de Geres - Lóbios (about 40 km - elevation 800 mt)

We leave behind the granite houses of Campo do Geres and take a dirt road into the heart of the park. The first kilometers are characterized by slight ups and downs, with the opportunity to admire the local flora and fauna. The route continues inside the park, offering the opportunity to pass through forests of chestnut, oak and beech trees. The road, although unpaved, is well maintained and allows for safe cycling. As we approach the border with Spain, the landscape changes, giving way to pastures and grasslands. The road becomes steeper and requires more effort, but the spectacle that opens up before our eyes repays any effort. After crossing the border, we will finally reach Lóbios, a small Spanish town famous for its thermal waters.

Day 6: Stage 5: Lóbios - Montalegre (about 50 km - elevation 1400 mt)

It starts in Lóbios, a Spanish spa town. Immediately after the border, the route returns to Portuguese territory again, following a dirt road that climbs gradually. The route's elevation profile is characterized by steady climbs and technical descents. Several mountain passes are crossed, with views ranging from lush forests to deep valleys. After tackling the final climbs, you reach Montalegre, a strategically located Portuguese town. The old town, with its granite houses and castle, is well worth a visit.

Day 7: Stage 6: Montalegre - Paradela (about 45 km - elevation 750 mt)

After saying goodbye to Montalegre, take the road heading south towards Paradela. The route runs mainly on back roads and dirt tracks through countryside characterized by pastures, forests and small villages. Admire traditional dry stone walls and granite granaries, witnesses to a rural past. The 750-meter elevation gain is spread throughout the route, with alternating climbs and descents. Some climbs will be more challenging than others, but the effort will be repaid by the panoramic views that open up before you. After passing through small villages and admiring rural landscapes, you will finally reach Paradela. This town is famous for its thermal waters and peaceful surroundings.

Day 8: Stage 7: Paradela - Geres (about 40 km - elevation 900 mt)

Say goodbye to Paradela and take the road heading north, following the signs to the National Park. The first kilometers of the route will wind through countryside characterized by pastures, oak and chestnut forests, and small villages. As you approach the heart of the park, the gradient will gradually increase. Be prepared for some challenging climbs, but the effort will be rewarded by the panoramic views that will open up before your eyes. Once you enter the National Park, you will find yourself immersed in unspoiled wilderness. After passing the last uphill stretch, you will finally reach Gerês, the beating heart of the national park.

Day 9: Farewell Day

Transfer passengers, luggage and drop off bikes from Geres to Porto

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